Hrithik Roshan to Direct Krrish 4? Actor’s Filmmaking Ambitions Take Center Stage

In a major announcement on Friday, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan revealed that his son, Hrithik Roshan, will take over the director's chair for the much-anticipated superhero sequel, Krrish 4. The revelation took many by surprise, but those familiar with Hrithik's journey in the industry might have seen it coming.

A Filmmaker in the Making

Hrithik's directorial aspirations trace back to his early days in the industry. Before making his acting debut in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), he worked behind the scenes as an assistant director to Rakesh Roshan. At just 17, he assisted his father on the 1995 blockbuster Karan Arjun, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Even as he transitioned into acting, his interest in filmmaking never wavered.

During the making of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Hrithik was deeply involved in the editing process. He later admitted in The Roshans, a Netflix docu-series, that he spent hours at the editing table, ensuring the final product met his vision.

Shutting Down Early Rumors

The Krrish franchise began in 2006 as a spin-off to Koi... Mil Gaya (2003), introducing Indian cinema's first mainstream superhero. The film's success led to Krrish 3 in 2013, skipping over a numerical sequel to the original. However, years before Krrish 3 hit screens, speculation was rife that Hrithik might step into the director's chair for a potential Krrish 2.

At a 2012 press event for Agneepath, Hrithik dismissed these rumors, stating, "I'm not directing Krrish 2 with Dad or any other movie. I'm only acting." He did, however, hint at an eventual shift to filmmaking, adding, "Direction will happen as and when, if it ever has to." In 2014, while promoting Bang Bang, he reiterated his interest in stepping behind the camera someday.

A 'Closet Filmmaker'

Director Siddharth Anand, who collaborated with Hrithik on Bang Bang, War, and Fighter, has often spoken about Hrithik's filmmaking instincts. During the making of Fighter, Anand called Hrithik a "closet filmmaker" and praised his attention to detail.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Anand said, "Hrithik is a complete Hindi film hero. He's an intricate performer who adds nuances to his role and ensures that every actor in the frame shines. He doesn't just focus on himself-he looks at the entire film. He's a closet filmmaker, and he doesn't even realize it. I keep telling him he should direct soon."

Hrithik took this advice to heart, taking his first steps behind the camera in 2023 when he directed an advertisement for the clothing brand Arrow. At the time, he told the press, "After 25 years in front of the camera, I have stepped behind it for the Arrow campaign."

Rakesh Roshan Passes the Baton

For some time now, Rakesh Roshan has hinted that he would not be directing Krrish 4. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, he spoke about the inevitable transition, saying, "The day has to come when I have to pass on the baton. It's better that I do it when I am in my senses so that I can oversee the process and ensure everything is done correctly."

On Friday, Rakesh made it official with an Instagram post, stating, "Duggu, 25 years ago I launched you as an actor, and today, after 25 years, you are being launched as a director by two filmmakers-Aditya Chopra and myself-to take forward our most ambitious film, Krrish 4."

With Hrithik stepping into the director's chair, Krrish 4 promises to be a landmark film, not just for the franchise but for Hrithik Roshan's evolution as a filmmaker.